Cuet VC leaves campus after 30-hour standoff, students demand he never return
The crisis began on 22 September, when students launched a shutdown demanding the reinstatement of former vice-chancellor Professor Abu Sadaat Muhammad Sayem.
Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Sheikh Shariful Alam left the campus under police escort this evening (13 October) after remaining confined to an administrative building for nearly 30 hours, as students demanded that he never return.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia, Police Superintendent Md Masud Alam and the university's proctor brought the vice-chancellor out of Administrative Building-2 around 6pm. He left in an ambulance under police protection as protesting students chanted slogans against him.
Two former students confined inside the building with the VC fell ill early today. Engineer Shahriar was taken to Evercare Hospital in Chattogram after his blood pressure rose to 170/100, while engineer Titu Md Sohan recorded 140/90. The vice-chancellor also reported feeling unwell.
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It was not immediately clear whether Shariful Alam had agreed to the students' condition. His departure ended the standoff but did not resolve the dispute over his appointment. No resolution had been announced by last night, leaving the university's return to normal operations uncertain.
The crisis began on 22 September, when students launched a shutdown demanding the reinstatement of former vice-chancellor Professor Abu Sadaat Muhammad Sayem and the cancellation of Shariful Alam's appointment. Classes and examinations remain suspended, while some teachers, officers and employees are observing work stoppages and non-cooperation.
Shariful Alam entered the campus on Monday and broke the lock on his office door at Administrative Building-2. Students later locked the building and cut its electricity after he missed a noon deadline to leave. Twelve people were inside.
Students issued a resignation ultimatum that night, threatening to maintain the blockade until he stepped down or Sayem was reinstated.
Separately, students alleged that local Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal activists assaulted student Aminul Quddus Chowdhury after he got off a bus in Hathazari's Madhunaghat area.
Police disputed claims that the bus had been attacked, saying the vehicles were turned back after the road was blocked. University associations called for an investigation and said their work stoppage would continue.
